Up to 65 jobs are at risk at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust after the launch of a strategic review into the organisation’s structure.

Staff at the Trust were told yesterday that a review of its internal structure had been launched and consultations were underway with trade unions over potential job losses.

A spokesman for the Trust stressed the protection of front line posts would be a “priority”, with managerial roles likely to be those that are hit.

David Allison, the Trust’s chief executive, said the restructure was necessary because of a “changing healthcare landscape”. As a result, a review of the entire structure of the organisation has been launched.

Subject to the consultation process around 65 management roles are at risk as a result of the proposed changes. A “small number of non-management roles” may also be hit as a result of any management changes.

But, in a message of reassurance to frontline staff and patients, a Trust spokesman added: “Within this restructure the protection of front line staffing posts will be a priority with majority of the change being concentrated in support services and managerial functions.”

Mr Allison said: “Demand for our services is both increasing and changing, with patients requiring more complex and longer term care. With this changing healthcare landscape, as well as balancing increasing demand and finite resources we have to continuously review the way in which we deliver services to ensure the best and more appropriate care for our patients. We are therefore reviewing the structure of our organisation and have commenced a process of consultation with staff and trades unions."

He continued: “Through the change we are proposing there will be minimal impact on our clinical areas and front line staff. The restructure will focus on removing inefficiencies; maximising benefits of new technology; ensuring management is streamlined and efficient and securing the financial viability of the Trust.

“We are committed to delivering high quality, safe healthcare. To make our hospitals sustainable for the future we need to continuously change the way we do things.”